Checking In On Shiras Moose

Published: April - 2001

The US hunter looking for a Shiras moose doesn't have a lot of choices in terms of places to hunt, unless he happens to be from a state where he can hunt this animal as a resident. Currently, Shiras moose can be hunted in the states of Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, with the latter state the only one to offer more than a token number of nonresident permits. Even Wyoming is a very tough draw.

Enter southern Alberta. Although the Boone and Crockett Club does not consider moose from this Canadian province as Shiras, Safari Club International does accept those taken in specific southern zones of both Alberta and British Columbia. The moose from southern Alberta are definitely different than the usual Canadian variety, sporting a single or split brow in most cases. Three-prong front brows are a rarity. This distinction and the small body size, along with a typical 40- to 50-inch spread, mark the other characteristics that separate this group from the Canadian subspecies, although occasionally a wide spread is found on the rare monster bull.

So, who should you consider for a shiras hunt in this region? Here is a rundown on some outfitters I can vouch for personally:

Gordon Burton of Double Diamond Outfitters runs a mountain horseback hunt for moose out of tent camps in the old-fashioned style. Burton allows hunters the choice of a bonus whitetail or mule deer. The combo hunt is $5,500 for six days. Burton has taken moose up to 52 inches in the past.

Another outfitter who offers a combo hunt is Ralph Cervo runs ranches and farms in two different areas and is one of southern Alberta's most accomplished trophy hunters. He took a 47-inch bull for himself last fall. One of his guides advised me that they are near 100 percent on getting whitetail bucks too, although the zone they hunt is not renowned for monsters. Cervo charges $4,500 for a 10-day combo moose and whitetail hunt. Just the moose is $3,500 for six........(continued)